Christmas Bird Count rescheduled

December 18, 2013 —

WHITE MILLS, PA — This year’s Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) in Wayne County, PA, which was scheduled to take place on December 15, had to be postponed due to last weekend’s snowstorm. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 4. The survey will be conducted within a radius of 7.5 miles of White Mills.

This is part of the Audubon Society’s 114th CBC, making it the longest running citizen science survey in the world, providing critical data to scientists who study long-term trends in bird populations.

The Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter of Audubon is seeking volunteers to help for a few hours with this annual count on January 4. “Volunteers do have to have some knowledge of birds,” said Barbara Leo of Texas Township, who is helping to coordinate the project. Volunteers will be given a map of the area to be surveyed and assigned to a sector where they will be expected to log their findings. Bird watchers may walk, drive, or sit in one spot as long as they keep a record of their bird watching activity and the birds they see. Even just sitting and counting birds at your bird feeder is acceptable.

According to the national Audubon website, “Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission—often before dawn. For over 100 years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the holiday season.”

For information or to ask about volunteering, call Barbara at 570/253-2364.